Simm Associates, Inc.

Review: I recently owed a bill of $277.00 for a Bill Me Later account that was originally with SIMM Associates, INC. Not knowing that the collection agency sent my account to another colections agency which was ARS for the same amount of $277.00. I never recived notification that it was sent to another company. I paid the $277.00 to both companies not knowing it was for the same bill. ARS recived my money order for $277.00 , as also I sent the same amount to SIMM Associates for $277.00, but they claim they never recieved the money. So I contacted Western Union and they stated that the money order was cashed at SIMM Associates on April 3rd, 2015 fro the amount of $277.00. I ended up over paying for the Bill Me Later account which was only for $277.00. I've contacted SIMM Associates and they basically have stolen money from me for an account they no longer have had with me.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive my money back paid in full of $277.00 in a timely manner

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt. It collects on accounts referredto it by debt owners. It was founded andincorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware. From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highlyeffective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumeris dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.The complaint from Ms. [redacted] states that she madepayments of $277 to resolve this account to both Simm and ARS. She indicates that the money order wasprocessed for payment on April 3rd, 2015. She asserts that Simm has “stolen money fromme”. Simm has reviewed its payment records for the periodfrom April 1st through May 19th, and finds no paymentprocessed for the account. There were 5payments in that amount processed during the period but all related to otheraccounts. Simm would ask Ms. [redacted] torequest a copy of the money order and information from Western Union regardingits processing. [redacted], collectionmanager for Simm, has called Ms. [redacted] to request this information. She may contact him at 1[redacted] If Ms. [redacted] has any questions, she may contact [redacted] Simm isprepared to investigate this matter fully upon receipt of information to assistin that investigation. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

Review: I have been seeing a phone number appear on my caller id at my place of employment. This number is from SIMM Associates. They are calling in an attempt to collect a debt on my husbands private student loans that I co-signed on. I have asked them in the past to not contact me at work and they listened for a while. Recently, they started attempting to contact me at work again. Today (October 16 2014) They called my work number. I answered and told them they were not authorized to call that number. Within 5 minutes they called back and demanded to either talk to the HR Department or my manager. When I told them that they were not allowed to do that and they were to stop calling me at work, the man on the other end got hateful. He acted as though he had the right to do what he was doing. I then proceeded to call them back from my personal cell phone and explain to a nicer lady what had happened. She said I was right and it would be handled appropriately. She stated that she had removed my work number from the account.

I do not feel that this is the case. I feel that they will attempt to call me at work again. Since they are unwilling to work with me and my husband about the student loans, we pay what we can afford when we can afford it.Desired Settlement: I want to be released as the co-signor on the account. I also want them to stop contacting me all together.

Business

Response:

The attached complaint was filed with both the Revdex.com and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Attached below is the response filed with the CFPB. Please accept our apology that you were not included upon this response when it was transmitted to the CFPB last week.

If you have any questions, please contact [redacted] Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: my daughter was contacted at work regarding a bill she had cosigned for me. the collector nick threatened to call her boss and let her know we owed them. I called him later and he was very unprofessional. He wanted to know why I wasn't working, why I used my daughter's information and what happened at my last job. I took it upon myself to contact the original creditor who assisted me with ease with a viable payment plan. simms told me he would call me monday. I don't need to be harassed.Desired Settlement: I want them to stop contacting me or her.

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt. It collects on accounts referredto it by debt owners. It was founded andincorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware. From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highlyeffective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumeris dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.The complaint from [redacted] relates to two calls,one received by her daughter at work, the other her call following up thatcall. Both calls were handled by thesame representative. A review of Simmcall records indicate that the representative was less cooperative than Simm wouldexpect. He did not divulge third partyinformation to the employer, but he may have allowed such an inference. The inward call was handled appropriately butthe collector did seem impertinent. Correctiveaction has been taken regarding the representative. On behalf of Simm, I apologize for the conduct ofour representative. While not illegal,it was insensitive. With questions,please contact [redacted] Thank you.

Review: This company threatens you and harrass you only so they can get paid. They insist that you can only pay them, which is untrue you can pay the lender but they want you to pay them so they can charge you am extra fee. When you refuse they threaten to call your work or intimidate you in any way. They lie to you to make money.Desired Settlement: for them to no longer call me or my family.

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.Ms. [redacted] complaint states that Simm threatens andharasses debtors in order to get paid. She further states that Simm misrepresents that it is to whom paymentshould be made. She states that Simmlies to people to make money. Ms. [redacted] has had at least five loans incollection at Simm Associates from time to time, dating back to 2011. These accounts were referred to Simm forcollection on behalf of the lender, National Collegiate Trust. The accounts are referred to Simm withinstructions to request sufficient payments to bring the accounts current. Ms. [redacted] has determined that she will makedelinquent payments to the company that services current accounts for NCT, andthat company accepts such payments. Manytimes, the payments are inadequate to address the delinquency, but that hasbeen Ms. [redacted]’s choice. Simm representativesare correct in stating that payments should be made directly to Simm. The calls made were appropriately documented by Simmand there is no indication of the improprieties that Ms. [redacted] suggests. Tothe extent she felt threatened or harassed by Simm’s agents in their seekingpayments of accounts referred to them for collection, Simm regrets herperception. Simm representatives arehighly trained and experienced and they do not lie or misrepresent the natureof the collection referral upon which they collect. In response to this complaint, Simm has closed theaccount and returned it to our client. Should Ms. [redacted] have questions, she may contact [redacted] Thankyou.

Review: Repeated calls to home, work, other family remembers. I co-signed this loan. Please stop the calls, threatening messages to my home and stop asking family members my whereabouts. You may contact me ONLY through mail or email. I will file a complaint with the AG office if necessary.Desired Settlement: Please cease and desist all communication via telephone, cell phone, and ANY/ALL contact phone numbers you have on file for me. Send communication via mail or email ONLY

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.Simm was referred an account owned by NationalCollegiate Trust for co-debtors [redacted] and [redacted]. Simm representatives have not been successfulin speaking with either party. Inaddition, calls to seek location information from third parties have notresulted in contacts. Mr. [redacted] requests that Simm contact him viamail or email. Prior direct mail haselicited no response. The email addresshe provides appears to be that of his co-debtor. If he wishes to address this matter viaemail, I encourage him to contact [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

Review: This company keeps calling my mothers house asking for me claiming I owe some kind of debt . They have made physical threats stating that if I do not call them back that they will be calling my place of work and telling them about a debt that I owe and will be garnishing my wages and that I need to get a hold of them , one of the callers a male who only identified themselves as Simms actually had the nerve to ask my mother if she knew my Social Security Number and if she did to please give it to him. The problem is I have no idea who these people are or what they are talking about. But I believe these tactics they are using are illegal and calling a 80 year old woman and making threats is very illegal . This morning this Simms person called and actually asked for me by name when I asked how can I help you he hung up. I ran the number on the caller ID and researched it and discovered it was Simm Associates. I also discovered that they have several complaints online concerning them calling and threatening people and demanding money from them.Desired Settlement: I want these calls stopped if these people need to contact me then do it by mail or email . If they continue I will be contacting the authorities and pressing legal charges.

Business

Response:

Simm Associates is unable to locate an account in Ms. [redacted]'s name. We searched her name and the phone number provided without success. Please have her provide us with information regarding the account about which Simm called. Simm leaves a file number in most messages...that would help us locate the account and reply more fully. Other information that aids in locating such an account is demographic information such as address, phone numbers, date of birth, or the like. Please assure Ms. [redacted] that Simm will do all it can to assist her with this matter. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I am writing this correspondence to express how appalled I was by the rude, disrespectful, abusive and unprofessional manner of the employees that are employed by Simm Associates on September 19th 2014. The way they handle the consumers in regards to the use of bullying antics, speaking to people in a derogatory manner and the unprofessionalism in horrible. On the day of 19th I was speaking with a representative at length and then he explained to me that I would have to speak with a higher person which was [redacted]. He explained that [redacted] was the best person to speak with. As soon as [redacted] was put on the phone he explained he was the lead representative then he was an account manager then portfolio manager all in the same conversation I had with him. First I would like to address the fact that he needs to state his real title instead of changing it throughout the conversation which can constitute false representation. Second let us discuss his tactics and conduct which I found to be violating certain sections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act under Section 805 communication in connection with debt collection subsections B, Section 806 Harassment or Abuse subsection 5, Section 807 False or misleading representations Subsections B,4,5, and Section 808 Unfair practices and the Privacy Act/Laws. His demeanor was very harsh and the derogatory way in how and what he was saying was uncalled for in regards to my character as if I was a low life. When I tried to even get a word in edge wise he would cut me off and would not let me say anything. He stated firstly that I intended not to pay the debt in which I did not say that I stated that I am not running from my debt but I needed a reasonable payment to make and then he began to demean me. He then stated that he will discuss the 2 loans with the cosigner of which only is the cosigner for one loan which is against the Privacy Act as he is only supposed to discuss the loan that the cosigner is on with the cosigner not both then he stated that he will run her credit and garnish her pay check for the amount due for both loans which is against the law as a debt collector cannot garnish your wages without a court order and for a loan that the cosigner did not sign for. He then used this bullying antic in addition to his brash and harsh conduct for me to agree to a payment that I knew was not manageable for me and I started to become fearful, started crying uncontrollably, very distraught, and my pressure went up which caused heart palpitations by the way he was speaking to me. I found it to be mentally and verbally abusive. He would not consider anything else or allow me to work or speak with him as he continued to demean me. I requested to speak with someone above him and he stated that there is no one above him to speak to. I stated to him that I no longer wanted to speak with him I would like to speak with management and he told me I do not have that choice because I am not in control of the bus he is so basically it’s his way or no way. I am not someone on the street and I do not need to be spoken to in this manner. My second contact was with Steven Johnson on the same day September 19th 2014 he also was demeaning towards my cosigner and I like we were low life people, bullying us and speaking derogatory towards us which can be considered verbally abusive with his brash and harsh conduct. He would not allow the cosigner to speak and wanted to know why I was not saying anything. I explained to him that she wanted to discuss her loan with me and he continuously wanted to discuss both my loans with her when she is only on one and that again goes against the Privacy Act and Section 805 Subsection B. He continuously requested to speak about both loans with her and while I was on the phone. I continuously explained to him that he would be violating both acts if he continued to do so. He then proceeded to end the call. I would like to also input this whole conversation took place while she was at work which caused her to become distraught while she was at work. I would expect that as an organization having your employees being brash, harsh, demeaning, disrespectful, rude, derogatory, unprofessional, and mentally/verbally abusive is not tolerated. I would appreciate that no phone calls be made to me or my cosigner again that everything be put in writing as it is my right to request this way of contact. Lastly, it appears on the correspondence sent to me and my cosigner has my SS number on it which is illegal. I would appreciate that this information is removed.Desired Settlement: Simm associates to no longer contact me or my cosigner via telephone as it is my right to request it and my loan to be returned to AES. I feel more comfortable dealing with them as they have never violated laws.

Review: I had made arrangements with this company to make payments on the 30th of every month, then they send a letter to me stating they will withdraw the funds on the 28th when in turn I had made

arrangements a month ago. They don't get it, my funds will not be in my account for them to withdraw. Needs resolved. I have made phone calls to the company; they put me on hold for a long time

playing their music loud, it's disturbing.Desired Settlement: To reduce my payments

Business

Response:

[redacted] raised an issue with a letter that she received seeming to move her payment date from the 30th of the month to the 28th. The letter was incorrect, it was Simm’s error, and we apologize. All payments have been moved to the 1st day of the month to assure Ms. Bauer’s funding will be in place.

Thank [redacted] for bringing this matter to our attention and please encourage her to call or email me if she has any questions regarding the matter.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I receive numerous calls from this company looking for another person. Every time I speak with them I am told by the operator that my phone number will be removed from the system, but I still receive more phone calls. I am a pastor of a church and must answer every phone call, and I do not appreciate these phone calls that I am getting.

Business

Response:

I have reviewed the complaint filed by [redacted] On behalf of Simm

Associates, I extend my apology for our representatives’ failure to remove his

number upon request from the account to which it had formerly related.

Simm received the number as an alternative point of contact number in a file

forwarded to us for collection.

I am pleased to advise that our representative, [redacted], on August 15th

removed the number from the collection record and designated it as not to be

called. So the issue of calls to the [redacted] number should be

resolved.

Should [redacted] wish to speak with me, my information is below. Thank you

to both of you for bringing this matter to our attention.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I was contacted by a representative claiming to be acting on behalf on a student loan company. I advised the rep I had never heard of the company and requested something in writing confirming the debt and that the debt should be paid to Simm associates. The rep became very upset and demanded payment. Advised that I google the company. I told her I would not. I just need documented proof of what she was claiming. She advised they do not mail anything out and she already had all my information. She said she would document my account as refused to pay and disconnected the line.

I do not believe I was asking for anything unusual. I thought by law debt collectors had to provide documentation if requested of the debt and their right to collect on behalf of another company. I thought the rep was unprofessional.Desired Settlement: I would prefer no further contact. If not possible, I would like the business to provide documentation of the debt and that they have a right to collect on behalf of the student loan agency.

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.Ms. [redacted]’s complaint stems from a call on August12. She states she requested some form of validation of the debt and ourcompany. While our representative did nothing illegal, she definitely couldhave been more cooperative during the phone conversation. She could haveoffered to send a validation letter and also could have had Ms. [redacted] contactAmerican Education Services, the account servicer, to validate SIMM as anapproved vendor for this delinquent account. Management will meet with therepresentative to provide guidance and training on conflict resolution. Ms.[redacted]’s account has since been closed and returned to the servicer. She willreceive no further calls from SIMM Associates.Should Ms. [redacted] have any questions, she maycontact [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: First, primary nature indicated above is not really the primary issue, but it was closest to the problem. I have been receiving nuisance phone calls, late at night and early in the morning (text of today's call below, note at 5:16 a.m.) I called the number indicated and asked about the company the agent represented, and all she would give me is Simm Associates in Delaware. I said I would give her no more private info until I learned more about the company. I did, and called back, and asked for [redacted] with whom I first spoke. A male customer service agent answered the call; I asked to be forwarded to her extension, and he got very belligerent and disrespectful, and would not do as I ask. Here's the message: note, there is not not nor has there ever been a Britney Davis living at my address:

XFinity Voicemail from [redacted]

"This message is for [redacted] My name is [redacted] I'm calling from sum Associates and this call is from a debt collector. This an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Please return my call at [redacted]. In reference to file number [redacted]Desired Settlement: Remove my information from there database and records and do not call again. This could be a red flag the next time I buy a car or a house, as a credit check could come up w/ this so called company.

THANK YOU, [redacted]

Business

Response:

Upon receipt of the complaint from [redacted], Simm Associates removed the numbers at which we had reached him while seeking [redacted]. We went an additional step and closed the account, returning it to our client.

Please apologize to [redacted] for the inconvenience we occasioned him. We relied upon information provided to us that proved to be erroneous. We apprectiate his bringing this matter to our attention.

Should he have additional questions, please encourage him to send me an email and I will provide such information as I can.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I have requested multiple times via phone and in writing to have contract agreement sent to me for signing and documentation purposes. Gave Simms funds to lock me in on an agreement and they changed their agreement the next month. They called me after I did not supply funds and asked what is going on. I told [redacted] that they have not sent me anything from her organization and I will not pay until I sign a contract and have the invoice set for the first amount agreed upon.Desired Settlement: I would like an invoice with letter head from Simms Associates for the $3480.00 that was originally agreed upon per our phone conversation which was recorded by Simms Associates and myself (recordings can be provided if needed). I've paid $1300 so far which would bring the total to $2,100.00 and agreed $400.00 per month until paid off.

Business

Response:

[redacted] is seeking approval of a settlement to which Simm Associates, Inc. did not agree. On February 14th, [redacted] called in to discuss his National Collegiate Trust student loan. An agreement was reached calling for one payment of $1,000 to be made on February 18th, and 12 monthly payments of $411.33. The total settlement was $5,935 against a then due balance of $7,749.19.

Simm’s collection notes reflect these specific terms. [redacted] made the initial $1,000 on February 18th. On March 17th, the date the first installment of $411.33 was due, Simm called [redacted]. He suggested that Simm had offered to settle the account for a payment of $3,500. Our representative advised that we did not and could not agree to such a settlement. Two days later, we received this complaint.

Simm can offer [redacted] two options to resolve this matter. He may resume the payment schedule stated above by making the March and April payments by April 17th, thereupon resuming the scheduled payments. Alternatively, he may make one payment of $4,649, payable by April 30, 2014.

Upon receiving his election, I will have a new settlement agreement sent to him via email at [redacted] Should he have any questions, he should contact our collection manager, [redacted]

Thank you for your assistance in resolving this dispute.

Consumer

Response:

Review: Received letter of collection for UNETHICAL late fee charges made by PayPal.Desired Settlement: Stop trying to collect UNETHICAL charges

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.Ms. [redacted] asserts in her complaint that shereceived a letter from Simm Associates seeking to collect “for unethical latefee charges made by PayPal." Simm was referred a PayPal account in Ms. [redacted]’sname on January 13, 2015. Simm sent aninitial notice to Ms. [redacted] and received this complaint, immediatelyceasing collection efforts thereupon.Simm has closed the account and returned it toPayPal. Should Ms. [redacted] havequestions, she may contact [redacted], Director of Compliance, SimmAssociates, at [redacted]

Review: My mother has been receiving calls for me from this company at her home. A woman named [redacted] told her if I dont respond within so many hours they will call my place of employment. I have never been notified of any debt owed. I have not received a call on my phone or have any type of mail correspondence. In any collection third party disclosure or threats are not aloud nor will I tolerate them. This is a notice to cease and desist. Do not make any phone calls to me or any of my family or employer. You can email me or send correspondence through the mail. That will be the only way I will deal with this company. The phone call needs to be reviewed from 1/15/2015. Im sure a CPB complaint would disagree with your practices and I will not deal with them.Desired Settlement: Do not call anyone anymore. You are to only contact me through mail or email. Also I want a copy of what you are trying to collect on.

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.Ms. [redacted]’s complaint relates to calls received ather mother’s home. She has requestedthat no further calls be made to her mother or to her. She requests all future contact be by mail orthrough email. She also states that shedid not receive any correspondence from Simm.Simm was referred an account in Ms. [redacted]’s nameby [redacted] on December 4, 2014. Theinitial notice was sent within 5 days of placement. Calls were placed to the numbers provided inthe file and messages were left. OnJanuary 15th, a Simm representative spoke with an unidentified womanthrough whom a message was given to Ms. [redacted]. That call appears to have led to thiscomplaint, filed the next day with the Revdex.com. Simm regrets that its representative was felt to be intimidating ormisleading. She has been counseled byher manager. Simm has placed restrictions upon the accountlimiting contact with Ms. [redacted] to email or mail. Should Ms. [redacted] have questions, she may contact[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: Hi I have received multiple calls from Simms associates. They will not inform me who the debt is through and get very nasty and hostile with me. I've asked them to send me documentation of the debt in question. Also to send inquires though the mail by via phone. Since I have a bizarre work schedule. Know I have started to receive calls from them at work and indicated to them not to call work which isint working they still continue. I have said I can not take calls at work to them as well obviously this is being ignored.Desired Settlement: I want them to discontinue calling cell phone and work phone. Send all correspondence through mail and send me documentation of the debt

Business

Response:

SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third party collectionagency. SIMM does not purchase or owndebt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners. It was founded and incorporated in 1991 inNewark, Delaware. From its inception,SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services toits clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professionaland appropriate manner.[redacted]’s complaint stems from a student loanbill in our office. She claims that representatives from our office have calledmultiple times, the representatives have a nasty attitude and SIMM refuses toprovide any documentation on the debt. We indeed sent her a validation letteron July 8th right after her defaulted accounts were placed with ourcompany. We have made multiple attempts to reach her but have actually onlyspoken with Ms. [redacted] one time. This contact did occur by calling her place ofemployment. However, at no time during the call did she say she could notreceive calls at her job and also at no time during the call did she ask forany supporting documents pertaining to her accounts with our office. We record100% of calls made from our office and management listened to this call afterreceiving the complaint. Ms. [redacted]’s account has been closed with our officeand she will receive no further calls or correspondence from SIMM Associates.Should Ms. [redacted] have any questions, she may contact [redacted]